Program Financial Specialist

Job Description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.  

The Advancement Operations teamempowers University Advancement to achieve and sustain its mission and vision.This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

The Finance and Administration team has an exciting opening for a Program Financial Specialist. This is a full-time, temporary position.

The Program Financial Specialist provides high-level financial and operational expertise to University Advancement (UA), overseeing complex budgeting, reporting, accounts payable/receivable, and compliance functions. This role ensures financial integrity across UA by designing, implementing, and enhancing fiscal systems while delivering strategic analysis that informs leadership decision-making and resource allocation.

Serving as both a subject matter expert and strategic partner, the Program Financial Specialist applies independent judgment to interpret policy, evaluate financial practices, identify trends and risks, and recommend process improvements. The position fosters collaboration across Advancement units, UW offices, and external auditors to strengthen financial operations, ensure compliance, and support Advancement’s mission through effective financial stewardship.

What You Will Do

Business Credit Card Program Oversight (35%)

• Oversee Advancement’s annual procurement and travel card programs. 

• Design, implement and enforce comprehensive policies and procedures for card usage, ensuring compliance with UW, state and federal requirements. 

• Plan, scope, develop and implement a comprehensive audit framework to monitor transactions, mitigate fraud risk and ensure adherence to procurement standards.  

• Analyze spending trends, reconcile financial records and prepare compliance reports for leadership, including recommended courses of action. 

• Coordinate with internal and external auditors, including managing communication with outside parties and coordinating internal responses from across the organization. 

• Serve as the subject matter expert and provide direct consultation and customer support to units on transaction controls, reconciliation and compliance issues. 

• Strengthen financial accountability by designing, delivering, and continuously improving training programs for cardholders and managers. 

Financial Analysis and Reporting (30%)

• Conduct complex financial analyses, providing actionable insights on operational expenses, payroll, and fund allocations.
• Develop and conduct ongoing data reviews in Workday. Make proposals for improvements to align with organizational and institutional structure and priorities.
• Advise leadership on strategic financial decisions by interpreting UW fiscal policies, identifying risks, and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and refine fiscal reporting and tracking systems, both manual and automated, to meet evolving business needs.
• Prepare and present executive-level financial reports, including analysis of budget impacts and long-term trends.
• Lead feasibility analyses for proposed initiatives and special projects.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on financial policies, regulations, and fiscal best practices.

Accounts Payable (25%)

• Manage compliance review and reconciliation of non-catalog purchases and miscellaneous payments.
• Manage staff reimbursement processes including reviewing, approving, and training staff.
• Review all Accounts Payable processes and recommend improvements or adjustments to optimize and create better efficiencies.
• Reconcile and review financial data to ensure transactional data is recorded properly.
• Provide recommendations to leadership and UWAA Board of Directors based on in-depth research and analysis on how best to approach complex Accounts Payable items.
• Communicate critical financial policies and processes to UA staff and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and University regulations, policies and procedures.

Other Duties (10%)

• Provide guidance on budget implementation and execution and proactively address any issues or problems that may arise.
• Lead change management initiatives in Finance, assessing business needs, designing solutions, and communicating recommendations to leadership.
• Provide project management for special initiatives, including scoping, goal-setting, resource planning, milestone tracking, and stakeholder engagement.
• Serve as a representative on cross-functional teams, advancing Finance team goals and broader organizational priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's degree AND two years of experience in business administration, finance, budget administration, data analysis or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to convey complex financial information. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple concurrent projects efficiently. 

• Adaptability and openness to change, with a willingness to embrace new practices, respond to evolving business needs, and explore innovative approaches to problem-solving. 

What You Can Expect

• Hybrid-work schedule with two days in the office and three days eligible for telework per week. 
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$70,008.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$70,008.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.